The Upper Axe Landscape Recovery Project is restoring the River Axe and its surrounding farmland across Dorset, Somerset, and Devon. Partnering with 32 farmers over 2,777 hectares, we’re improving soil health, reducing pollution, and restoring habitats—while keeping farms productive. By reconnecting the river with its floodplain, restoring natural geomorphology, promoting sustainable farming, and unlocking natural capital opportunities, we’re shaping a more resilient landscape. In addition, community engagement and educational hubs are bringing people into the project from the local area.
This project has a two-year development phase and 20 years of delivery covering the Upper Axe catchment. The project is funded by the Defra Landscape Recovery Scheme and various private finance sources including Biodiversity Net Gain. Partners of the Community Interest Group include Magdalen Farm, Ecologic, FWAG SW, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Ave Vale Rivers Association, the West Country Rivers Trust, Ecorys UK, Eunomia Research and Consulting, Sue Belgrave, Defra and the Magdalen and Environmental Trust.
FWAG SouthWest advisers have engaged farmers in the project area to gather nutrient baseline data through farm phosphorous balancing, calculating nutrient loading, reviewing farm infrastructure and nutrient management planning.
We have used this data to inform our development of bespoke options and monitoring metrics that go beyond typical initiatives. This will transform nutrient management in the catchment by enabling better monitoring and incentivising improvements that existing schemes don’t address. This approach will have a lasting, positive impact on both the environment and local farming practices.
The River Axe, a Special Area of Conservation, is in an unfavourable condition due to declining water quality, soil degradation, nutrient enrichment, and degraded river morphology. This project aims to restore the river’s natural function, improve biodiversity, and reduce pollution. Key objectives include restoring spawning gravels, reducing diffuse pollution from phosphate by 50%, and creating bespoke farm agreements to enhance resilience and reduce soil runoff across the catchment area.
Project lead/contact is Samantha Read, Farm Environment Adviser – email: samantha.read@fwagsw.org.uk
To find out more please visit the projects website at https://upperaxe.org/
